SCOTTISH Veterans Minister Keith Brown last night stepped into the row over Marine Michael Glen having fewer housing rights than a freed criminal.

The Daily Record revealed how Michael, 30, can expect only a homeless hostel when he leaves the forces later this year – while a criminal leaving jail can expect 80 points towards a local authority house.

Michael, 30, of Arbroath-based 45 Commando, was left so stunned by the ruling that he penned a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron.

But last night Brown, an ex-Marine himself, pledged to take action following our revelations.

Brown said: “As a former Marine, Iabsolutely understand the sacrifices Marine Glen has made as part of the Armed Forces.

“As Veterans Minister, I am totally committed to ensuring our former servicemen and women receive the first-class treatment they deserve.

“In this case, the housing of Marine Glen is first and foremost the responsibility of the council.

“Despite that, I have asked my officials to contact the council urgently on the matter to make sure we fully understand all of the circumstances.”

Michael, 30, a father-of-three from Prestonpans, was stunned when East Lothian Council officials told him that, since he was leaving the forces voluntarily, he could expect no help in getting a council house.

The scandal that puts criminals’ rights above the rights of war heroes was revealedin the Daily Record yesterday.

Michael, who did two tours of Afghanistan, cannot return to the family home because he is estranged from his wife. He said: “Because I am volunteering to leave, the council say they have no requirement to house me. This is absolutely disgusting – risk your life or be homeless.”

Michael is dad to Daniel, three, and Rachel, five months, from his marriage, and Kieran, 11, from a previous relationship.

He added: “I never would have thought in a million years I would have to stay in a doss house after I left the Marines.”

Michael wants to settle in Prestonpans to be near his children.

He said: “With the kids being so young, I think it is important I am close by.”

East Lothian MP Fiona O’Donnell said the Government should intervene over the barmy ruling.

And local MSP Iain Gray said: “The council claim to provide extra support for veterans and should not quibble over why he is leaving.”

East Lothian Council said ex-service personnel without accommodation would be offered advice and assistance, but those who volunteer to leave are not entitled to housing points.

Michael says the council told him if he was coming out of prison he would be awarded 80 points.

Brown added: “The Government is clear that all housing applications from ex-service personnel should be treated sympathetically.

“We are working hard to tackle homelessness.

“We have extended priority access for veterans into schemes to help first-time buyers, which we recently pumped an extra £13million into.”